Earth's Supervolcanoes Are Waking Up Right Now: Are We Prepared?

Earth has some massive volcanoes called "supervolcanoes" that can cause huge eruptions, way bigger than anything we’ve ever seen in modern times. Some of these, like Yellowstone in the U.S. and Campi Flegrei in Italy, show signs of activity that scientists are keeping a close eye on. A supervolcano eruption could release so much ash and gas into the atmosphere that it would block sunlight, leading to a dramatic drop in global temperatures and affecting food supplies. The idea that these giants are "waking up" sounds scary, but scientists work hard to monitor any changes and understand what’s happening deep below. Right now, they’re improving ways to detect early warning signs, like small earthquakes or rising ground, that might hint at an eruption. While we're not totally prepared, knowing more about these supervolcanoes helps us get ready, just in case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices